Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield has warned that an Ebola outbreak driven by the Bundibugyo virus is poised to become a “very significant pandemic.” He indicated the epidemic could spread into Tanzania, Southern Sudan, and Rwanda, describing it as “very disruptive” with alarming speed.

According to CDC data, 536 suspected cases, 105 probable cases, and 34 confirmed cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda—the nations where most outbreaks are concentrated. The tally includes approximately 134 suspected deaths. Redfield noted that this outbreak was not identified until well beyond the typical threshold for early detection seen during his three previous Ebola emergencies as CDC director, when cases usually triggered action with five to ten confirmed instances.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation a “public health emergency of international concern,” citing the Bundibugyo virus’s rapid spread across DRC and Uganda. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported 51 confirmed cases in DRC’s northern provinces, with nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths nationwide. He emphasized that these figures are expected to rise significantly as the outbreak intensifies.

The Bundibugyo virus—less common than other Ebola strains—complicates containment efforts due to the absence of specific treatments or vaccines. Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, sweat, feces, or vomit from infected individuals, posing heightened risks to healthcare workers and family members caring for patients.